Glendale Child Custody Attorneys Getting Couples the Results They Need
Are you getting divorced and don’t know how to settle disputes with your ex-spouse about who will have legal authority over your children? You may already be under a lot of stress just from the separation process. Worrying over the future of your children and whether you will be able to maintain a relationship with them and provide for their well-being adds to that burden. You don’t need to go it alone in the complicated matter of settling child custody disputes. Reach out to the attorneys at The Sampair Group, and rest assured that you will be listened to and your case will be handled efficiently and with your best interests in mind. Call today to make an appointment where you can discuss the details of your case with our talented legal team at 623-777-3909.
Do I Have Any Options in Choosing Child Custody Arrangements?
Just as each family is different from every other family, the arrangements necessary for child custody vary wildly. These decisions affect so many aspects of your future and that of your children, so it’s important to know what options you have. Some of the following are ways that custody can be handled in the state of Arizona:
Sole Custody
A parent can have sole physical custody, sole legal custody, or both. Sole physical custody means that the children spend a majority of their time with that parent, living in their home. There may or may not be a visitation arrangement with the non-custodial parent. Sole legal custody means that just one parent has full authority as the only one who can make legal, educational, medical, religious, and other important decisions for the child without considering the opinions of the other parent.
Joint Legal Custody
Again, there is joint legal custody and joint physical custody. It is possible for one parent to have sole physical custody while the couple shares joint legal custody. Joint legal custody means that each parent has full decision-making authority in the child’s life. Joint physical custody means that the children usually spend about an equal amount of time with each parent. There are several ways that joint custody can be arranged. Some examples are:
Alternating Custody
This type of custody refers to having the children travel back and forth between the two parents’ homes. It places the burden on the children to switch homes and can cause problems with the children’s schooling and social lives, but it is a common form of custody in Arizona.
Bird’s Nest Custody
Bird’s nest custody indicates that the parents carry the burden of switching homes rather than the children. While the children maintain the same residence, their mother and father take turns living with them there.
Split Custody
In split custody, one parent takes legal guardianship over one or more of the children, and the other parent has authority over any other children.
Third-Party Custody
With third-party custody, neither parent retains custody of the children, but a third party such as the state or grandparents takes custody.
Many couples have a hard time finding common ground and coming to agreements about the custody of their children following a divorce. Don’t spend precious time and money trying to resolve these issues alone. Using a family law attorney can help you find solutions quickly, which can help you and your children move forward and begin your new lives as soon as possible.
Does Arizona Have Child Custody Laws?
Parents’ rights are protected under Arizona law in a number of ways. For one thing, both parents have equal rights under Arizona law regardless of gender. The courts may not favor one parent over the other simply because of the gender of that parent. Both parents may also petition for custody and visitation rights, although this is not guaranteed because the court will make the decision based on the parent’s ability to care for the children and ensure that their safety and needs are met. Furthermore, both parents have the legal authority to see their child’s educational and medical records, assuming that they retain joint legal custody. Make sure your rights are protected by speaking with child custody attorneys such as The Sampair Group today.
How Can a Parent Gain Child Custody in Arizona?
Child custody issues are taken very seriously in Arizona as they so strongly affect a child’s future. During a couple’s divorce, the court will always consider the custody arrangements for any children involved in the family to ensure that they will be in the best environment possible. Maintaining family relationships with both parents, whenever appropriate, is also a priority. Some of the questions the court will decide are where the children will live and whether child support payments will be necessary, as well as who will make those payments and in what amounts. Sometimes these questions can be answered by the couple without court intervention, and mediation can assist in this process. As part of the decision-making process, certain factors will be considered, such as the parents’ mental health and any instances of domestic abuse or substance abuse that could affect the child’s well-being and safety. The desires of the children will also be an important part of the process, as long as the children are old enough to express their wishes. When your child’s custody is at stake, don’t leave these important decisions to chance. Talk to a knowledgeable family law attorney to get the right results for you.
Can Our Child Custody Lawyers Help You?
When you are in the middle of a divorce, you already have many life changes to worry about as well as the emotional strain of family disputes. With the well-being of your children at stake, it adds that much more pressure to make sure their needs are provided for and that their legal status remains beneficial for them and you. Don’t leave these critical child custody decisions unanswered any longer. Call The Sampair Group at 623-777-3909 for a initial consultation and see what our talented team of family attorneys can do for you.